Committee

Chair - Alice Mann

Hi, I’m Alice, I have been running since 2012, I did my first run and couldn’t walk for a week.
Thankfully, I didn’t listen to my body when it said to not ever do that again and have ran on and off ever since.
 
I have completed one marathon and a few Half’s but the main reason I run is for enjoyment, as long as I get out I don’t mind what pace I go and would always choose running with someone over running on my own.
 
I have always been lucky to find amazing running groups to join, meeting some inspirational people along the way, Bovey Valley Runners is definitely one of the these groups. I am proud to be part of such an inclusive and fun running club.
 
Whether you are a completely new runner in the C25K or running ultra marathons, BVR has a place for everyone and will support you in whatever you want to achieve.

Treasurer - Richard Gray

Hi, I’m Richard
 
I had done a bit of running, on and off, over the years but never took it seriously.
When I was working away from home several nights a week before I retired I started to regularly do very short runs to avoid an excess of hotel food and alcohol.
 
In 2019 I chatted to a bunch of runners waiting to start the weekly run in their green T shirts. They seemed a friendly bunch so I joined the club and have been running with them ever since.
 
It’s been a complete surprise to me that I can comfortably run 5K, 10K and even some half marathons.
It’s really down to the friendly, encouraging members who make it such a welcoming and inclusive club for all abilities.
 
I am pleased to contribute to the running of the club by serving on the committee.

Secretary - Sally Shoolbraid

 
Hi I’m Sally and joined the committee in 2024 as a general member and am so pleased to be part of such a fantastic club.
 

I am a bit of a marathon obsessive (14 and counting) but like many of our members started from scratch in my 50’s – running from lamppost to lamppost and was petrified about joining a club or signing up for an event – but did – and soon running became a really important part of my life.

When moving to Bovey I was so lucky to find such an inclusive club where we welcome everyone – from the Couch to 5K groups to those who tackle the tough trail and ultra events. I have seen the club go from strength to strength over the years and it’s great that the social side is really taking off too. It’s not just about the running – Bovey Valley Runners are a community of really friendly and supportive people. 

I’m very chatty and love to talk to newer runners on our club runs to see how their running is going and just generally enjoy encouraging anyone who is unsure about running further or entering an event –  people just need that boost to their confidence to think they can go for it (as I did) and BVR is there for them. We are all so privileged to be living in such a beautiful part of Devon where any run is surely going to be good for your mental and physical well being!

 

Ruth Bushell

I began running in 2015 when, at the age of 50, I’d just completed a degree and was feeling more confident that, although ‘old’, I could still achieve new things in life! I’d enjoyed running at school but when I left to start my nurse training, I never gave running another thought and did no regular exercise for most of my adult life. 

I started running on my own as a way of losing weight but soon found other benefits like meeting new people and the positive effect on my mental health. I found it a fantastic way to reduce stress levels and it definitely helped my anxiety and depression. 

I  joined BVR in 2018, when I moved to Bovey and have found it one of the most positive things in my life. I have made good friends through it, become healthier and fitter and enjoyed mini running adventures and exploring new parts of the county. 

I love trail runs, exploring Dartmoor and social runs and am looking forward to being part of the committee and supporting the work of BVR as I feel it has a really important role to play in this community. 

Rob White

Hi, I’m Rob and have been with BVR since Sept 2018.

As a young lad I was never a runner and it wasn’t until I started to take my daughter to the Parke Parkrun that I considered having a go.

I used the Cto5K to start, but didn’t get that far so went straight into the Parkruns in 2015, but after just a few months an achilles injury stopped me running for a year. But since then I have increased both my number and distance of runs.

We are blessed with having some fantastic scenery, on the coast and in the moors, so you will often find me plodding up and down the trails in the sunshine and the rain.

BVR is a brilliant all-inclusive group that so encourages people of all abilities to just get out and run, and have fun.

 

Tish England

Hey there, I’m Tish!
 
I love to run (here, there and everywhere!) Being a member of BVR is great – they’re such a friendly and  inclusive group of runners.

I began running in high school where I developed a love of cross-country and long distance running.
Nowadays I just love to run whenever I can, to get away from the computer and take in the great outdoors.
Running with great company is the best!
 
I found the club in it’s early days when I first moved to Bovey – it’s been a great way to meet new people, make some great friends and discover many amazing running routes right on my doorstep.
 
I recently joined the committee to give something back and I look forward to getting to know more of the members, coming up with new ideas and helping out wherever I can.
 
Peace ✌️ Love ❤️ Rock 🤘& Roll 🎸

Claire Harrison

I live in Bovey Tracey with my grown-up family, and I feel incredibly lucky to call such a beautiful place home.

My own running journey has certainly been full of surprises, and I hope it shows that it’s never too late to start.

 At school, I was always at the back of the cross country (usually chatting away!), so I never imagined that running would become such a big part of my life. It wasn’t until my late 40s, with the goal of completing a 5km, that I laced up a pair of old tennis shoes and took my first steps.

What happened next was such a surprise. That first 5km grew into 10km, then a half marathon, and eventually crossing the finish line of the Virtual London Marathon , something I once thought was just for ‘proper runners’ . Since then I’ve been  lucky enough to race locally, nationally, and more recently within Europe.

But as I reminisce my most defining moment wasn’t even reaching a finish line. It was spotting a group of chatty runners in Bovey park one day and deciding to ask who they were. That tiny step changed everything. It led me to a running club that I now proudly support as a committee member, and to a community that has become like a second family to me . 

Running has made me fitter, but more importantly, it’s brought friendship, laughter, and so many unexpected life experiences. 

So, if you feel out of breath after ten paces, or think you’re ‘not the running type,’ your’e not alone. Every runner, whether an Olympian or a weekend jogger started by just putting one foot in front of the other. 

So why not take that first step, reach out, and see where your running journey could take you? You might be amazed at just how far you can go

Manda Cox

Hi, I’m Manda, and I’m proud to be a new member of the BVR committee. My journey with BVR began in 2024 when I joined the Couch to 5K programme—and I’ve been part of the club ever since.
 
After completing the course, I stepped into a Run Leader role and went on to volunteer with the following year’s Couch to 5K group. Now, I’m excited to be one of two leaders for the 2026 programme… watch this space!
 
My path into running hasn’t been a straightforward one. Before lockdown, I was a regular at the gym and loved nothing more than a good circuits class. But when the gym closed, my confidence took a hit. I struggled with anxiety and found it hard to return to that environment.
 
At a time when I felt lost and unsure where to turn, I came across a BVR poster—and it changed everything. I never imagined myself as a runner (and I still wouldn’t call myself a fast one!), but through BVR I’ve not only rebuilt my fitness, I’ve gained friendships, confidence, and a real sense of belonging within the community.
 
Running didn’t just get me moving again—it helped me find my way back to myself.

Nicola Huckerby

I signed up for the BVR C-5K in July 2021 — much to the surprise of both my family and me, as I’d always hated sweating and never looked like a typical runner!

Graduating in November 2021, my dad sadly passed away shortly afterwards. He’d been a huge inspiration to me, and when I feel like giving up, I still think of him.

In April 2022, I completed the BVR Half Marathon Challenge alongside Donna and Steph Alder.Then, in April 2023, I ran my first marathon — both races taking place on 8th April in memory of my dad.

Over the past few years, I’ve become a self-confessed medal junkie and love adding more bling to my medal rack!My running highlights include the Palma Half Marathon in October 2025 and the London Marathon in April 2026.

I’m also proud of my BVR awards for “Best New Runner” and “Most Enthusiastic Runner”.

I retired in early 2026, which gave me time to join the BVR Committee.

My running sisters have become my social circle, and I hope my enthusiasm encourages new runners to challenge themselves, too.

G Cole

Hi, I’m Grainne, but known to everyone as G.

I have been running for 30 years, although I only joined the club in 2023.
Running has always been a constant in my life, and I value the sense of freedom and headspace it give me.

At heart, I’m a road runner, but since joining BVR I’ve been exploring more trails and have really grown to enjoy them.I’m usually a solo runner, but becoming part of BVR has given me the opportunity to meet and run with lots of new people, and I’ve made some lovely friends along the way.